Softball

Softball Sweeps UNC Greensboro

Mar 13, 2002

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The Santa Clara University softball squad beat University of North Carolina Greensboro 1-0 in both games of this evening's doubleheader. The Broncos improve to 12-17 on the season as the Spartans fall to 16-10-1.

In the first game, the Broncos managed to get the early lead on UNC Greensboro while they produced both offensively and defensively. Their sole run of the game was recorded in the bottom of the second. Rachel Sherman singled through the left side to start the inning with a runner on first. Up next, Lauren Fissori hit into a fielder's choice, which resulted in Sherman's out at second base. Deanna Rodriguez then grounded out to the pitcher moving Fissori to second. Jennifer Ponzo drove in Fissori on a single through the right side. Kelley Johnson would fly out to left field to end the inning.

The Spartans attempted to rally back but were shut down by the Broncos. Their most valiant effort came in the top of the sixth when Jennifer Aguilar singled to centerfield. Their next batter, Kristy Norton would also reach first on a single advancing Norton. The runners were moved to second and third with a sacrifice bunt from Penny Thompson, but they were unable to produce any runs.

Pitcher Johnson allowed only five hits and tallied three strikeouts before putting her next win into the record book. She walks away with a 4-3 record. Pitcher Amy Poole took the loss for the Spartans.

In the second game, the Broncos edged out a run against UNC Greensboro pitcher Amber Watson in the bottom of the third. With one out in the books, Salas singled to the right side. Harrington then grounded out to the short stop moving Salas to second. Hall drove in Salas with a single through the left side of the infield. Smale, up next, also recorded a single to center field, advancing Hall to second. Andria Plasencia pinch ran for Smale, but the inning ended with a ground out to the pitcher by Sherman.

The run by Salas was enough to ensure the victory for the Broncos in the second game, as the Spartans were unable to put anything on the board. In the top of the fourth Salas ensured the Broncos win as she made an amazing over the head catch while running for the fences, robbing a double from Norton.

Rodriguez recorded the win for the Broncos, her record improves to 6-7, as Spartan pitcher Amber Watson took the loss.

The Broncos will return to action this Friday against Tennessee Tech. The first game of the doubleheader is slated to begin at 5 p.m.